Note: This page will be continuously updated as new developments occur. Please check back regularly for updates. Last updated on April 15, 2020.
The Decoupled Days organizing team is committed to the safety and health of all conference attendees. We readily understand that our attendees, sponsors, and speakers, particularly those joining us from outside New York City and the United States, may have deep concerns and questions about the ongoing outbreak of novel coronavirus and the considerable disruption caused by coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Decoupled Days 2020 will be a virtual conference to be held on July 22-23, 2020. Please continue reading for further details.
Update on April 15, 2020
As we continue to grapple with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) around the world, we on the Decoupled Days organizing team have continued to follow developments and to explore the potential postponement, cancellation, or virtualization of our conference. Like countless other 2020 conferences, we have encountered significant headwinds in the organizing of Decoupled Days 2020.
We recognize this is a deeply difficult time for everyone, with economic hardship and personal difficulties growing globally and beginning to impact every speaker, sponsor, and attendee. Given current circumstances, it is increasingly unlikely that New York City will return to normalcy with enough lead time for those joining us from around the world to book airfares and accommodation, let alone acquire visas and make other arrangements.
In the interest of everyone’s health and safety at our conference, and in the interest of ensuring that we continue to offer the excellent content and professional development opportunities you’ve grown accustomed to from us, Decoupled Days 2020 will be a virtual conference to be held on July 22-23, 2020.
We continue to watch developments closely and follow regular updates from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and from the New York State Department of Health and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. We strongly recommend that attendees, sponsors, and speakers follow all of the aforementioned authorities for the latest information during these fast-moving events.
As of this writing on April 15, 2020, there are confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in the New York City area and the surrounding region, as well as throughout the United States. There is ongoing person-to-person transmission and community spread. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has issued a stay-at-home order requiring all those in New York State to remain home unless they are an essential worker. All non-essential businesses are closed.
If you feel symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home or in your accommodation and call your health provider. If you are unable to afford or seek care, please call 311 in the New York City area.
Update on March 9, 2020
At this time, Decoupled Days 2020 remains scheduled for the dates of July 22 and 23, 2020. We do not currently have plans to cancel or postpone Decoupled Days 2020, but we stand prepared and have contingency plans in place to implement any necessary changes to the event as circumstances change rapidly in the coming weeks and months.
We will make a final decision about whether Decoupled Days 2020 will be postponed or cancelled by April 17, 2020 to ensure minimal disruption for attendees.
We are watching developments closely and following regular updates from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and from the New York State Department of Health and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. We are also in close contact with our host venue, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and its parent, the City University of New York. We strongly recommend that attendees, sponsors, and speakers follow all of the aforementioned authorities for the latest information during these fast-moving events.
As of this writing on March 9, 2020, there are confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in the New York City area and the surrounding region. A subset of these are cases with no connection to known travel or previously confirmed cases, suggesting the possibility of ongoing person-to-person transmission and community spread.
If you feel symptoms of novel coronavirus, please stay home or in your accommodation and call your health provider. If you are unable to afford or seek care, please call 311 in the New York City area.
Preventing the spread of COVID-19
The following information is adapted from the MidCamp public announcement on the novel coronavirus.
There is currently no available vaccine for COVID-19. While no solution is foolproof, standard precautions can be taken to help prevent the spread of the virus.
- Wash your hands. Handwashing is the most proven and recommended way to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, as well as any other communicable disease. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after using the restroom, eating, or coughing or sneezing into your hands.
- Cover your cough (and sneeze). Since the novel coronavirus is spread through airborne droplets, preventing the spread of droplets is key. When coughing or sneezing, do so into a tissue or your elbow. Do not use your hands. Wash your hands as soon as you can afterwards.
- If you are sick, stay home. If you are concerned that you have novel coronavirus or any other communicable disease, please stay home to avoid infecting others.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What precautions will Decoupled Days be taking to prepare for the novel coronavirus?
The organizers are maintaining communication with the staff of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and City University of New York and following developments closely from public health and government officials. In addition, we are asking that attendees do their part by washing their hands regularly and taking steps to prevent spreading any virus.
Is Decoupled Days still happening?
The organizers are opening and maintaining communication with the staff of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. In addition, we are asking that attendees do their part by washing their hands regularly and taking steps to prevent spreading any virus. We will make a final decision about whether to postpone or cancel Decoupled Days 2020 by April 17, 2020.
Is Decoupled Days doing any type of screening on attendees?
No. Decoupled Days does not have the organizational budget to acquire screening equipment, which can be expensive and unreliable. We are counting on you, the attendees, to self-screen. If you have been diagnosed with novel coronavirus, please do not spread it.
If I decide not to come to Decoupled Days, can I get a refund?
Yes. If you are unable to attend due to circumstances surrounding the novel coronavirus, please send us an e-mail at [email protected] to request a refund.
What will happen if there is an outbreak at Decoupled Days?
In the unlikely event of an outbreak at Decoupled Days, we will defer to the authorities at our host venue, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and act in accordance with their emergency preparedness policies.
Will I be turned away at the door?
There are no trained medical professionals on the Decoupled Days organizing team. However, if you attend and have visible signs and symptoms of an acute respiratory infection, we may ask you to consult a medical professional before attending sessions. Please use your best judgment. In addition, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and City University of New York are adhering to the recommendations of the CDC’s travel health notices and recommending self-isolation for anyone traveling from a country currently designated as Warning Level 3.
What is the likelihood that there will be an outbreak at Decoupled Days?
The likelihood is currently low, but it is not zero. We will be in contact with John Jay College of Criminal Justice staff at all times, and in the event a confirmed case surfaces, we will defer to the recommendations of their Department of Public Safety.
What should I do if I suspect someone has novel coronavirus?
Unless you are a trained medical professional, there is no reason for suspicion. Please wash your hands frequently and cover your cough with your elbow.
Will Decoupled Days have masks available?
No. Decoupled Days does not have the organizational budget to provide surgical masks or N95 masks to attendees. We encourage attendees to follow the guidance of health authorities and to use their best judgment.
Someone looks like they may have come from a country that was mentioned as having cases of novel coronavirus. Can I say something to them about it?
No. Decoupled Days is a welcoming and inclusive event for attendees of all backgrounds. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination or abuse against any attendee due to their appearance, perceived or real. This is a clear violation of our Code of Conduct, and you may be asked to leave our event. If you have concerns about this, please contact us at [email protected].
I have novel coronavirus. Can I come to Decoupled Days?
Please don’t attend Decoupled Days, but please do join us next year!
